Election Watch: Florida has provided nearly 1.47 million vote-by-mail ballots ahead of Nov. 3, with just 2,295 returned so far, and South Florida counties leading the totals. Local Voting Tech: Broward election officials will hold a public test of voting equipment Sept. 30 ahead of the general election. Dengue Response: Orange County confirmed three locally acquired dengue cases this month, while multiple counties declared emergencies as mosquito-control efforts ramp up, including Clearwater releasing 10,000 mosquitofish. Public Health: Florida confirmed a fifth Vibrio vulnificus death of 2026 as cases reach 23 statewide. Housing & Taxes: Miami-Dade constitutional officers back Amendment 3, arguing for higher homestead exemptions, while opponents warn of major public-safety and service cuts. Education: Orange County’s Continuum Montessori school will close Oct. 2, affecting 71 students; Broward parents rally against a plan that could relocate Dolphin Bay students. Palm Beach Growth: A commissioner is pushing a “pause” on new development in the Ag Reserve amid farmland-protection concerns. Crime & Courts: A Pompano Beach man pleaded guilty to stealing a Lyft driver’s car in West Palm Beach; Hollywood’s Jacquees faces DUI and battery-on-officer allegations after being found asleep in a Jeep. Sports/Community: The Palm Beaches set a record 6.09 million visitors in the first half of 2026.